Austin Gomber gone but Nolan Arenado trade ghosts remain for Rockies

The ghosts of Nolan Arenado are almost gone. Almost.

When the Rockies released left-handed starter Austin Gomber on Friday, the club severed ties with the last remaining player acquired in the infamous 2021 trade that sent the disenchanted Arenado — and $51 million — to the Cardinals.

Arenado, the 10-time Gold Glove third baseman and eight-time All-Star, was the centerpiece of what’s widely viewed as one of the worst trades in Colorado sports history. I know many fans who turned their back on the Rockies because of the trade and have never returned.

Gomber nearly lasted five full seasons with the Rockies, going 28-44 with a 5.31 ERA over 125 games (109 starts). He was a mentor to other young pitchers and a steady presence in the clubhouse. But he would have had to pitch like Chris S